Abstract
Calcium from limestone meal and grit in laying hen diets - effect on performance, eggshell and bone quality
Highlights
Pulverized and grit forms o f limestone and oyster shells are used as calcium supplements for laying hens
Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 25 weeks were used in the experiment that started in May 2002
A significant increase o f thickness was only observed at 33 weeks o f age i n eggshells from hens provided w i t h 60 and 80% L G as compared w i t h the 100% L F control group and 40% L G or 100% oyster shells as a dietary calcium supplement (P
Summary
Pulverized and grit forms o f limestone and oyster shells are used as calcium supplements for laying hens. The slower dissolution o f grit forms may make calcium available during the night, when there is no feed intake but calcification o f eggshells is proceeding (Roland and Harms, 1973). It may minimize the mobilization o f bone calcium (and phosphorus) reserve, processes that can negatively affect eggshell quality (Farmer et al, 1986). The purpose o f this study was to determine the optimal proportions o f both fine and particulate grit limestone in hen diets for maximum laying performance, eggshell quality and tibia bone strength
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